This terrific twosome led us in quite the excursion through "the scientific study of control and communication in the animal and the machine," so defined by cybernetics inventor Norbert Weiner in 1948. Throughout the ensuing decades, individuals inspired by this child prodigy and professor continue to seek computer technology as a means of augmenting human capability.

Describing the evolution of cybernetics and its individual and global impact, Ardith and Ken aptly presented both a personal and professional view of this complex, transdisciplinary field.

"I look to Unitarians to help make transitions because we're open to exploring," comments Ardith, from her early years in the faith. "We make a better world because we are here; we do our part while we are here." And cybernetics helps her with these transitions and goals in our ever-changing world, this sociology enthusiast expresses.

"Observe; Orient; Decide; Act," explains Ken, regarding the OODA Loop's circular causality and feedback strategy. Our resident NASA Research Engineer stepped us through technical applications that affect mechanical, physical, biological, cognitive and social systems. Affirming his teammate's illustrations, he notes: "For cybernetics, you need to think in terms of outcome or purpose. So, as you mentioned…this applies to leaving the world a better place" in that cybernetics helps us develop a language by which we may better understand and modify our world.

Man + Machine…in Tandem or Tension? We've only scratched the surface in this odyssey of discovery. So as humanity and technology voyage forward, let's put on our travelin' shoes (or maybe our spacesuits!) and continue in our quest of creating the Beloved Community and (shall we say) "heaven on [a new] earth"!

So what lies ahead for our future? Travel over to theAdult Sunday Morning Forum in the UUFP Office Building, each week, 11:15 -12:15. Be a participant in an adventure to remember!

Thanks, Maria for your facile summary. And thanks, Ardith and Ken for a thought provoking forum.

Reply

Andrew

8/9/2017 12:03:18 pm

The stained glass window in the lower right is a memorial to Clyde Tombaugh, who discovered Pluto in 1930. He and his wife helped start the Unitarian Universalist Church of Las Cruces, New Mexico in 1955, and this window was installed there in 2001. http://www.uuworld.org/articles/tombaugh-memorial-window

Reply

Maria

8/9/2017 12:17:39 pm

Such rich UU history! Love the quote on the stained glass window, which wasn't so evident in the article image: “That all souls shall grow into harmony with creation.” Thanks for sharing this additional inspiration, Andrew!